Hello from West Cornwall

Hi,

I'm currently setting up and 120l tank, with live planting for my Year 5 classroom. After initially wanting Fire-Bellied Toads, I changed my mind to Chinese FB Newts.

I want to create a larger swimming area than the toads would want and the newts seem to be more active than the toads. Also, I am very keen to create an environment that has a definite sub-aquatic zone and definite marginal zone.

I have redmoor soaking in a tub - taking far too long, but that's ok as my lighting unit has just failed, so I need to get that sorted anyway. The tank has been running for about 2 weeks (it was second-hand), and I have a large amount of java moss, java fern, milfoil, water lettuce, dwarf hairgrass and micro-sword. Some of these will be marginally planted (as well as aquatic). I'm planning on sowing clover/grass and planting parrots feather and a dwarf fern above water.
Currently, all the planting is happily sitting in bowls in the conservatory at the moment, whilst I get the lighting unit sorted. I'm hoping its just the flouresent starter unit - but more probably the ballast needs replacing.

I'm also intending to have a few cloud minnows in the tank. I think they will be too fast to become food - and I'm not too worried if they are eaten. I will be more concerned if they unnerve the newts though. And I'll remove them if the newts seem overly cautious.

Just got to source the newts!! Anybody have any ideas?
I know a shop which is selling juveniles - but I'm not sure that is a good idea. They're only about 4-5cm long...
I also have come across someone who is selling adults, but I would have to get them couriered - and that seems like a wholly stressful experience for the little fellas.

Anybody have thoughts on those (or other options)?

Thanks!

Welcome Dartfrog has cb youngsters forsale plus they can send them via TNT google will find them

Yes - Dartfrog was the shop I was referring to, and I can get them collected direct from there and brought to me (I have a friend who lives close by).

I guess my dilemma is, pay 4x the amount for an adult and have it couriered overnight - or buy juveniles?

Welcome to the site! Unless you're certain that the adults being offered are captive bred, I would recommend buying juveniles. They'll soon grow with a balanced diet and it's very rewarding to watch them develop and mature. If the adults available turn out to be wild collected you could be buying trouble from the off, they will be highly stressed and most likely sick as the capture/importation is a horrific experience for them and many die along the way or shortly after purchase. Hope this helps.

Yes as Chinadog said, don't get WC animals. If you don't want juveniles you could get a different species, P.waltl is a good species as well as T.verrucosus.

Thank-you for the advice guys. I'll go with the juveniles then.
It's a great forum you have here, and I'll be visiting often - probably more to read-up rather than post. But I will post some pictures of the tank when it's finished cycling & ready - as it would be great to get some feedback and tips.
:happy:

You're very welcome! The search function will find you most of the info you need to get going, but don't be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem silly. Cant wait to see pictures of your newts and their tank.